Disney, Seminole Tribe add $10M to back amendment

Walt Disney Co. and the Seminole Tribe of Florida keep pumping money into efforts to support Amendment 3, which would give voters the final say on whether to expand gambling in Florida.

The latest campaign finance reports show that Disney and the tribe each recently contributed $5 million to Voters in Charge, a group registered to support the amendment on the Nov. 6 ballot.

In all, records show, that Disney has given the most for the campaign — $19.6 million. The Seminole Tribe is a close second with $16.7 million.

Disney has long opposed expanded gambling in the state, considering it a threat to its familyfriendly business. The Seminole Tribe already operates casinos in the state.

The amendment says that only voters could approve expanded gambling such as new casinos and only through a citizens initiative on a statewide ballot.

Supporters believe the amendment would make it tougher to expand gambling in the state.

Current law allows the Legislature to expand gambling either through legislation or by putting a measure on the ballot.

Sixty percent would have to vote yes in order for the amendment to pass.

There are 12 amendments on the November ballot, but three of them have been challenged. The Florida Supreme Court is expected to decide their fate in the near future.